How Long Does Speech Therapy Take?

Expert Speech and Myofunctional Therapy in Palm Beach Gardens and Surrounding Counties

If you’re wondering how long does speech therapy take, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions we hear from parents, caregivers, and adults seeking help for communication or swallowing challenges. The honest answer? It depends.

At TheraHealth and Wellness, we understand that every person’s needs are unique. That’s why we tailor our speech therapy plans to match individual goals, challenges, and progress. Whether you’re a parent seeking early intervention for your child, or an adult recovering from a medical condition, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

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What Factors Determine How Long Speech Therapy Takes?

There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline for speech therapy. The duration of treatment can range from just a few months to over a year depending on several key factors:

1. The Nature and Severity of the Issue

A child with a mild articulation delay may need only 8–12 weeks of therapy.
A person with apraxia of speech or aphasia may require long-term support.
Complex diagnoses such as autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, or traumatic brain injury may involve more intensive, ongoing therapy.

2. Age at the Start of Therapy

Younger children often progress faster due to brain plasticity and early neurodevelopmental intervention. However, it's never too late—adults can also see significant gains with consistent therapy.

3. Frequency and Consistency of Sessions

Progress often comes faster with consistent, weekly sessions, especially when paired with recommended home exercises. Missing sessions or irregular attendance can slow down the therapy process.

4. Family or Caregiver Involvement

Active participation at home—such as practicing speech sounds, engaging in communication games, or reinforcing positive speech habits—can significantly improve outcomes and reduce the length of therapy.

5. Co-occurring Conditions

Conditions like ADHD, sensory processing disorder, or hearing loss can influence speech therapy outcomes. We adjust our approach based on the whole person—not just the speech concern.

Typical Speech Therapy Timelines

Here’s a general idea of what to expect based on common goals:

Therapy Goal	Estimated Duration
Articulation of a single sound	2–3 months
Multiple speech sound errors	6–12 months
Expressive/receptive language delays	6 months–2 years
Fluency disorders (e.g., stuttering)	6 months–ongoing
Social communication (pragmatics)	6–18 months
Cognitive-communication therapy post-stroke	Ongoing, based on progress

Keep in mind: therapy doesn’t end when sessions stop. We equip you with lifelong tools, exercises, and strategies to maintain progress well beyond our work together.

What Is Myofunctional Therapy and Why Is It Important?

In addition to traditional speech therapy, TheraHealth and Wellness offers myofunctional therapy—a specialized form of treatment that addresses muscle function of the face, mouth, and tongue. This therapy is often overlooked, but it plays a critical role in speech, breathing, sleep, and overall oral health.

What Does Myofunctional Therapy Treat?

Myofunctional therapy targets issues such as:

Tongue thrust (incorrect swallowing pattern)

Mouth breathing

Low tongue posture

Oral habits like thumb sucking or nail biting

Sleep-disordered breathing and mild obstructive sleep apnea

Orthodontic relapse or malocclusion

Speech articulation difficulties linked to orofacial muscle dysfunction

What’s the Goal of Myofunctional Therapy?

The primary aim is to restore proper function and coordination of the tongue, lips, jaw, and facial muscles. We work on:

Promoting nasal breathing

Developing a correct swallow pattern

Establishing proper tongue posture (resting on the roof of the mouth)

Strengthening the muscles involved in speaking, chewing, and breathing

When the muscles of the face and mouth function improperly, it can affect everything from speech clarity to dental development to sleep quality. Myofunctional therapy retrains the muscles for optimal performance—often in collaboration with orthodontists, ENTs, or sleep specialists.

Where We Offer Therapy

At TheraHealth and Wellness, we make it easy to access expert care—wherever you are.

In-Clinic Services

Visit our warm and welcoming clinic in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, where we provide individualized assessments and ongoing therapy in a calm, supportive environment.

In-Home Therapy Across South Florida

Prefer therapy in the comfort of your home? We offer in-home speech and myofunctional therapy for children, teens, and adults throughout:

Whether it’s for convenience, comfort, or mobility reasons, our mobile therapy services bring professional care right to your doorstep.

Why Choose TheraHealth and Wellness?

We are more than just a therapy provider—we are a partner in your progress. Our team of licensed, compassionate professionals works with you to:

Conduct comprehensive evaluations
Set measurable, achievable goals
Provide evidence-based, individualized therapy
Collaborate with other healthcare providers when needed
Support and educate families for carryover at home

We specialize in early intervention, pediatric therapy, adult speech therapy, post-stroke rehabilitation, and orofacial myofunctional therapy. Our holistic approach ensures that you or your child receives complete care that supports long-term success.

Schedule an Evaluation Today

Still wondering how long does speech therapy take or whether myofunctional therapy is the right fit? Let us help. We’ll evaluate your needs, explain your options, and create a personalized treatment plan that fits your goals and lifestyle.